I invite you to participate in the 2016 IsaBody Challenge and get your share of $200,000 in cash and prizes.

I have done this challenge 6 times I LOVE IT – support, a plan, workouts, weekly calls and CASH!!!!

To your success,

Michele Foster

Health & Fitness Tips

Home HIIT Workout Program for Weight and Fat Loss

This HIIT workout video enables you to burn a very high number of calories in minimal time – just twenty minutes.

The best part about this at home HIIT workout is that the benefits extend far beyond that third of an hour where you are actually exercising. High intensity interval training is popular because it actually ends up revving up your metabolism so that you burn calories at an elevated rate for hours after your sweat session is finished. Read More and watch the video…

4 Mind Shifts That Turn Adversity Into Advantage

There is nothing worse than going through a difficult time in your life and feeling like it was a complete waste of effort. Adversity has a way of defeating us and making us feel used up. But somewhere inside, we want to be able to make sense of our difficulties. We want to make them count for something positive, that all the pain we endured wasn’t for nothing.

I used to think adversity was something I had to suffer through to experience happiness. I avoided adversity, for the most part, hoping it wouldn’t come. But it did. It came with a force. Ten years of mental and emotional abuse in my childhood left me feeling defeated and broken as a young adult. I wasn’t sure how to deal with it. I was often angry, defensive, and in survival mode most of the time. Read more…

The Best Foods to Fight Fatigue

Exhaustion isn’t a good look on anyone, but it’s all too easy to burn the candle at both ends in the always-connected world we live in. And when that energy slump hits, you need help. But that doesn’t mean downing a dozen cups of coffee or reaching into the candy bowl.

Sugar and caffeine will give you a quick rush, but that’s often followed by a crash. So if you’re searching for sustained energy, look for food with complex carbs, protein, and fiber. We put together this cheat sheet of things to eat and drink to beat fatigue—and a few foods that sabotage your efforts to get pumped up. Read more…

Jim Rohn: Begin With Gratitude and Watch the Miracles Flow Your Way

Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want.

Is thankfulness a survival skill? Maybe most of you would respond with, “No, thankfulness is not key to survival,” and I would tend to agree with you. Most of us have probably already solved the necessary problems of survival, gone beyond that and are now working to achieve our desires.

But let me give you this key phrase: “Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want.” I believe one of the greatest and perhaps one of the simplest lessons in life we can learn is to be thankful for what we have already received and accomplished. Read more…

Final Note: Don’t forget to contact Michele Foster with any questions you may have about Health & Fitness. Call: 847-323-2419

Let’s talk about replacing “What IF” with “Why Not”? …And the question I ask you is “What can this Become?”

Raise your expectations and your Hope will begin to Soar!

Refocus on the future, not on whats behind . . .

This newsletter is all about your HQ – Hope Quotient

Recently I read the book, Hope Quotient, by Ray Johnston. To me, Hope Quotient is really a game changer and I believe it is the perfect time to share this with you. I hear from so many of you the question – What IF?

What if we focus on our Hope Quotient… and WE BEGIN TO SOAR???

I also wanted to share a powerful poem by Marianne Williamson, Our Deepest Fear – and I hope you live it NOW!

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We were all meant to shine, as chilodren do.
It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give people permission to do the same
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

We ask ourselves… who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, and as children we do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Live with hope,
Michele Foster
askmicheletoday.com

The Hope Quotient by Ray Johnston

What’s at the heart of every thriving person, every thriving marriage, kid, and business? Hope!

Hope: It’s the one thing that can change everything!

When you have hope, eleven things are unleashed in your life:

You have more satisfying relationships.

You’re more productive.

You’re less affected by stress.

You’re more successful.

You’re more satisfied.

You’re more compassionate.

You’re more willing to help people in need.

You’re physically healthier.

You hold yourself to higher moral and ethical standards.

You’re more likely to assume leadership.

You’re more likely to see God as loving, caring, and forgiving.

This book will help you discover your HQ level and learn the seven key factors that, when built into your life, unleash hope. When you have genuine hope—not trite, pious platitudes but authentic hope that produces inner strength and confidence—anything is possible.

Career Coach; The Importance of Hope

“What is true of the individual will be tomorrow true of the whole nation if individuals will but refuse to lose heart and hope.” —Mahatma Gandhi

The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business recently hosted the Leadership Education and Development program for diverse and highly talented high school seniors from around the country. In my session on leadership, I was truly impressed by the curiosity and willingness these young people (17-year-olds) had to really understand and learn what makes an effective leader…

Exercise / working out has been the mantra for Health – for decades. And yet, we as a society continue to see an increase in disease and obesity, AND a decrease in lean body muscle which causes our immune systems to tank.

Yes, daily exercise is absolutely a part of the equation for health – about 15%. The other 85% is all about nutrition and proper hydration.

Being a certified sports nutritionist as well as a certified personal trainer I feel very strongly about my beliefs.

If a muscle that is torn by proper use is not fed it will not repair and grow? If the body is not properly being recharged, how can the stress of a workout accomplish anything good. Most premier bodybuilders eat 8 to 10 small meals a day which is mostly chicken and rice – the protein and the starch to provide some glycogen.

For the rest of us- eating that many times a day and sticking to such a rigid plan is ridiculous.

In fact, so often an increase in activity tends to lead to increases in things like caffeine and sugar for energy. Because we live in such a rushed society – we eat poorly because we eat processed food on the go, OR we “nuke“ microwave our food and there go all the nutrients.

Proper nutrition requires proteins minerals vitamins amino acids and lots of water . . . The key to the weight loss mystery in cleansing – getting rid of toxicity so the body has a fighting chance of restoring itself.

In this newsletter, coming during the season of; Weight Loss – Improvement – and Energy, I am going to provide what I believe is the best solution to get you to a place of nutritional rebalancing so that you will;

Of course, that depends on if you are a Man or Woman – Men release much quicker less body fat – yet both men and women will experience a dramatic change in the PH Balance and your Body will Thrive! You even lose all your cravings.

It is called the 9 Day Fat Burning and Nutritional Cleansing System – for more information go

3 Steps to Heal Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is estimated to affect around 80% of people in the world! According to James Wilson (author of “Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome”) chronic stress and lifestyle affects the body’s ability to recuperate from physical, mental or emotional stress.”

Whether for a short time, or a chronic condition, most people will struggle with adrenal fatigue at some point in their life.

Do you sometimes have:

body aches

trouble concentrating

racing thoughts

moodiness and irritability

constant tiredness

feeling overwhelmed

hormone imbalance

cravings for sweet and salty foods

These symptoms can be indicative of a few different disorders, and are often overlooked by doctors, but more and more people are starting to realize that a combination of these could indicate the onset of adrenal fatigue also known as adrenal insufficiency.

And if you have adrenal fatigue, it can also be a major cause of excess fat storage andlow energy levels. So, let’s talk about exactly what your adrenal glands do and how you can heal adrenal fatigue in 3 simple steps.

Cortisol and Stress: How to Stay Healthy

Cortisol is an important hormone in the body, secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in the following functions and more:

Proper glucose metabolism

Regulation of blood pressure

Insulin release for blood sugar maintanence

Immune function

Inflammatory response

Normally, it’s present in the body at higher levels in the morning, and at its lowest at night. Although stress isn’t the only reason that cortisol is secreted into the bloodstream, it has been termed “the stress hormone” because it’s also secreted in higher levels during the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response to stress, and is responsible for several stress-related changes in the body. Small increases of cortisol have some positive effects:

A quick burst of energy for survival reasons

Heightened memory functions

A burst of increased immunity

Lower sensitivity to pain

Helps maintain homeostasis in the body

While cortisol is an important and helpful part of the body’s response to stress, it’s important that the body’s relaxation response to be activated so the body’s functions can return to normal following a stressful event. Unfortunately, in our current high-stress culture, the body’s stress response is activated so often that the body doesn’t always have a chance to return to normal, resulting in a state of chronic stress.

Abs Workout: The Fastest Way to Lose Belly Fat

We all want a toned, flat stomach. No surprise there. But since many women are still relying on crunches to get it, we want to make one thing clear: Crunching is not the most effective abs workout. “Crunches work only the muscles on the front and sides of your abdomen, but it’s important to target all the muscles of the core to get more defined abs—including lower back, hips, and upper thighs,” says Lou Schuler, co-author of The New Rules of Lifting for Abs.

To lose belly fat and uncover amazing abs, Schuler recommends a series of core stabilization exercises based on a training program devised by co-author and personal trainer Alwyn Cosgrove. “Core exercises like the plank help train muscles to stabilize the spine and pelvis so you can avoid back pain and improve posture, Schuler says. “They also burn more calories than crunches because they work more muscles.”

Trade crunches for these three super-effective abs exercises from The New Rules of Lifting for Abs and you’ll be on your way to a perfectly toned, flatter tummy.

If I may, I would like to share my story about experiencing nutritional rebalancing.

Before I found this “system” of nutritional re-balancing and fat burning I was waking up at night, tired, and starting to feel old.

I met this “system” that provided every vitamins/minerals/enzymes that my body requires daily as well as a well balanced meal plan that is so efficient and most importantly all natural 100 gluten free and 99.9 % organic.
Since I started this system and lifestyle, I released 23 pounds and 21 inches, I sleep every night, all through the night, not tired and I feel like I am 20 years old again.

That was 5 years ago and today I believe the human body is a miracle and our conventional food resources are tainted and have no nutrition. The system I am using today gives the body that ability to “turn on” while still eating conventional food in moderation and NEVER feeling hungry or stuffed.

All I can do I can do is share my story with you and let you decide what you need or are willing to do. I will say this… What IF YOU could change your health spending just $10 a day, eating delicious food AND not giving up the things you enjoy – What IF?

If you would like to explore the question What IF?, feel free to contact me at askmicheletoday@gmail.com

Enjoy Life!

Michele Foster

What is Isagenix Nutritional Cleansing?

The revolutionary practice of Nutritional Cleansing, which can result in greater health, well-being and weight loss, is the foundation in which Isagenix® and its systems were developed. Nutritional Cleansing is built upon the health routine of cleansing, including fasting and drinking herbal remedies, which has been practiced throughout history.

Cleansing gives the body the chance to rest, regenerate and assist in its natural ability to remove toxins and impurities to promote long-term wellness. However, Nutritional Cleansing improves upon this ancient practice with a system that cleanses, replenishes and revitalizes the body with essential nutrients.

Fasting helps to remove impurities from the body, but Nutritional Cleansing speeds up this process by infusing the body with healthy nutrients. In simple terms, Nutritional Cleansing can be compared to changing the oil in your car. We regularly change the oil in our cars because it gets dirty and clogged by pollutants. We drain the dirty oil and replace it with clean oil, which helps our cars to run more efficiently. The same can be said for our bodies.

We are regularly exposed to pollutants in our environment, impurities in our diets and stress that is often created by our hectic lifestyles. Nutritional Cleansing helps the body and organs to do what they are designed to do naturally and remove impurities.

Breanna B.

Age: 32

Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

Height: 5’11”

Was: 220 lbs

Lost: 67 lbs*

Rank: Consultant

Joined Isagenix: October 2012

After 20 Years, Finally, Weight Loss that Works

Breanna B. had been trying to lose weight since the fifth grade. You name it, she tried it: Weight Watchers, AdvoCare, cabbage soup diets, “heart-healthy” and low-fat diets, the Manotech diet, Lean Cuisine – but it wasn’t until Isagenix that she actually saw results 20 years later.

“I really think I wasn’t losing weight because my body was holding on to toxins, and it wasn’t in a place where they could release,” says Breanna. After discovering Isagenix at a health fair, she tried the 30-Day Cleansing and Fat Burning System and lost 20 pounds.*

“I couldn’t believe my weight,” Breanna says. “Every pound I had lost up to then had been fought for, and for this to just drop off my body, I thought ‘This is crazy.’” She has since lost nearly 70 pounds on Isagenix and plans on staying on the 30-Day System™ forever.*

“For me, it’s a way to keep my life under control,” Breanna says. “A cleanse is something I know is so good for my body, and I think, ‘Bye-bye toxins.’ It’s a blessing for me because weight loss is something I’ve always struggled with, and now I have power and control.”

Nutritional Cleansing Q and A’s

Do you have a question about nutritional cleansing? Are you a new cleanser, but unsure how to use the products? Not to worry—we’ve put together some of the most common questions and answered them on this post. As you start a new year, we hope these FAQ will assist you and your Isagenix team.

Why do I need nutritional cleansing?

Toxins and stress in our modern environment subject our bodies to continual risk of poor health. Once you begin cleansing you’ll notice you’ll feel cleaner (like the feeling you get after a shower), and more energized. You’ll be healthier, too. Next time you look in the mirror you may also notice you are a few pounds leaner.

How does nutritional cleansing work?

Over time, the human body has had to adjust to natural toxins in the environment, often with significant help from certain plants that provide special active components. Nutritional cleansing enlists a blend of these botanicals along with vitamins and minerals to support the body nutritionally for the modern world’s onslaught of new toxins*.

Why does Cleanse for Life™ Tropical Berry flavor have two sets of directions? What is the difference between Everyday Cleansing and Deep Cleansing?

Keeping your body free of toxins is not too different from maintaining a home. To renew the beauty of your home, an annual “spring cleaning” does the job, but to keep your home safe and orderly, regular daily cleaning is necessary.

Cleanse for Life Tropical Berry flavor can be used to serve both the function of giving the internal body a thorough wash-down and that of providing for its daily up-keep, which is why its label now features two sets of directions.

The first set of directions highlights Everyday Cleansing and the second highlights Deep Cleansing. Everyday Cleansing consists of drinking 1-2 fl. oz. up to twice daily, first thing in the morning or between meals. Deep Cleansing consists of its use as an all-day drink for up to two consecutive Cleanse Days, drinking 4 fl. oz. with 4 fl. oz. of cold water four times daily as part of the Cleansing and Fat Burning System or Total Health and Wellness System.

Where can I find instructions on how to use the Cleansing and Fat Burning System?

You can find instructions on how to use the Cleansing and Fat Burning System here (30-day supply) and here (9-day supply). You can find instructions on how to use the Total Health and Wellness System here.

Is Cleanse for Life safe for long-term use?

Yes. It is absolutely safe. And healthy. You can use Cleanse for Life on a daily basis long-term. Deep Cleansing, which entails performing Cleanse Days, should be limited to no more than two consecutive days per week.

Can I use Cleanse for Life by itself for nutritional cleansing benefit?

Yes. However, the product was designed to be used as part of one of our complete programs: the Cleansing and Fat Burning System (9-day, 30-day supply) or the Total Health and Wellness System (30-day supply).

Why was Ashwaghanda added to the product?

Ashwaghanda (Withania somnifera), also known as Winter Cherry, is classified in Ayurvedic medicine as a plant that helps the body resist stress.* The plant helps reduce oxidative stress, supports liver health and detoxification, and has potential for slowing aging.*

Why was Yellow Dock added to the product?

Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) leaves, sometimes used in salads, can help encourage bile production, serving the needs of the liver for ridding itself of toxins.* In larger doses, it can serve in helping with constipation.

Why were bilberry, blueberry and raspberry added to the product?

Three berries that are well known for their antioxidant activity are now part of Cleanse for Life. Bilberry and blueberry, touted for supporting vision and mental health, also assist in strongly supporting detoxification.* Raspberry’s content of ellagic acid provides strong free-radical scavenging activity.*

Why does Cleanse for Life contain inner-leaf Aloe vera gel?

Aloe vera gel consists of polysaccharides, glycoproteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. The gel can help soothe and reduce inflammation in the gut and colon, may enhance bioavailability of vitamins C and E and its natural antioxidant activity can help reduce oxidative stress.

The gel’s polysaccharides have been studied for their ability to balance the immune system and their actions as natural detoxifiers, helping to move along biochemical processes in the liver to neutralize toxins.

Is Aloe vera gel a laxative?

No. Unlike “aloe bitters,” a yellow sap that contains anthroquinones, the gel contains no laxative effect and is absolutely non-toxic. Note: Use of “aloe bitters” is not legal in dietary supplement drinks.

Why is Pau d’Arco used in the product?

Pau d’Arco (Tabebuia heptaphylla) is an herb with a history of use in Paraguay for a wide variety of ailments. It nourishes cells within the digestive tract and can help the body resist infection.* The plant may help reduce inflammation and guard against damage from cumulative toxins.*

Why is Burdock in the product?

Burdock root (Arctium lappa) has a historic use as a blood purifier and helps rid the circulation system of toxins.* This thistle relative offers components that help protect the liver.*

Why is Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice in the product?

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), or DGL, is commonly used for detoxification in Asia and helps offer protection to the liver.* Its antioxidant activity helps protect DNA against damage.* We use the deglycyrrhizinated version of licorice root so there’s no contraindication for people with high blood pressure.

Why is there fructose in Cleanse for Life?

Cleanse for Life includes a small amount of natural fructose (fruit sugar) because it provides a pleasant taste and feeds the body a steady stream of carbohydrates for energy. We do not use high-fructose corn syrup or any artificial flavors or sweeteners in any products.

Why are B vitamins in Cleanse for Life?

A healthy amount of B vitamins is needed to support your metabolism to break down fats and carbohydrates. Daily B vitamins can also support your immune system and help maintain muscle tone, healthy skin, and steady energy.

I see you offer Cleanse for Life in liquid and powder. Which is more effective for nutritional cleansing?

Both products offer the same potency from its ingredient.

Are there any contraindications when performing Cleanse Days?

Because of the reduced calories, Cleanse Days should not be performed by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In addition, those on medication or with a medical condition should consult a physician before Deep Cleansing.

Should someone on blood thinners perform Cleanse Days?

If you’re on blood thinners or any other medication, we strongly advise you seek supervision of your healthcare professional. Your physician will need to monitor your Pt levels if you choose to cleanse. Performing Cleanse Days may result in natural thinning of the blood. This is because you are drinking lots of fluids and limiting caloric intake. For more information, click here.

Should athletes and “thin” people use Cleanse for Life?

Athletes and thin people can benefit from Cleanse for Life. We regard nutritional cleansing to be the “missing link” to many health benefits such as vitality, more energy and better absorption of nutrients.

When preparing for competition such as endurance events, Deep Cleansing should be avoided because limiting caloric intake may deplete muscle glycogen.

I get headaches while Deep Cleansing. What can I do about them?

First-time cleansers may experience mild headaches (for up to a week) as a common caffeine withdrawal symptom from giving up coffee or caffeinated soda. If necessary, headaches can usually be alleviated by eating an IsaDelight® dark chocolate (approximately 10mg of caffeine per piece) or drinking a cup of green tea.

I experience leg cramping while Deep Cleansing. What can I do to avoid the cramping?

Some cleansers will experience leg cramps if they are receiving insufficient mineral electrolytes—magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium. These can be alleviated by taking IsaFlush® and IsaCalcium®, eating 1 or 2 IsaDelight pieces, and/or snacking on nuts, fruits or leafy green vegetables. If cramping continues or becomes chronic, please be sure to follow up with a visit to your doctor’s office.

I experience constipation while Deep Cleansing. How can I make sure to stay regular?

The key to avoiding constipation during a Cleanse Day is to keep dietary fiber intake high on Shake Days. Our recommendation is to gradually increase fiber intake to 25-30g daily in line with recommendations from the National Fiber Council. Getting enough is easily achieved by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as taking advantage of products such as FiberPro and SlimCakes®. Regular water intake also works with fiber to help alleviate constipation. If constipation continues beyond a few days, please be sure to follow up with a visit to your doctor’s office.

On Cleanse Days, you may also wish to include some fiber by adding FiberPro to your Cleanse for Life drink throughout the day.

I feel cold when Deep Cleansing in winter. How can I stay warm?

Customers may feel cold while cleansing because they are drinking cold water and liquids regularly and avoiding regular amounts of food, which in itself produces a thermal effect during digestion. To alleviate feelings of coldness during cleansing in the winter months, consider drinking Cleanse for Life and accompanying water and herbal teas at warm temperatures.

I feel flu-like symptoms or feel like I may be becoming sick while Deep Cleansing. How can I avoid this feeling?

If you begin to feel like you are coming down with the flu, please stop your Cleanse Day, return to Shake Days, and be sure to follow up with a doctor’s visit. If it turns out you have caught a bug, you may need medical treatment and steady nutrition for your immune system.

I experience “flushing” when I cleanse. Is this harmful? How can I avoid it?

Customers may experience “flushing” while on the program. This reaction is safe and may be related to an individual sensitivity to nicotinic acid, a form of niacin. Flushing can be avoided by taking the following products, which contain nicotinic acid, separately: Cleanse for Life, Ionix Supreme® and Natural Accelerator®. Because Natural Accelerator contains other ingredients that may result in a more pronounced flushing experience, it should be taken with food or replaced with Antioxidants.

I have experienced an allergic reaction while Deep Cleansing. What should I do?

If you experience an allergic reaction, please discontinue whichever product may have been associated with the reaction and be sure to follow up with a doctor’s visit. Please also report your reaction or any other serious adverse event to nutrition@isagenix.net

I feel dizzy, like I will pass out when I’m cleansing. Could this be because my blood pressure is too low?

Yes. Lower blood pressure may be a natural result of performing Cleanse Days. If you have low blood pressure or are on blood pressure medications, please have your doctor monitor you and make adjustments as necessary before and while cleansing. (Reviewed by Dr. Dennis Harper.) Dizziness can also be caused by blood sugar becoming too low (See next question.)

I have diabetes. Should I be worried about my blood glucose rising too high or falling too low?

Blood glucose levels should be monitored closely while on the program if you have diabetes. Not every individual will have similar results and you may need to make modifications as necessary. Please consult your doctor before adjusting medication. (Reviewed by Dr. Dennis Harper)

Q. How should someone who is diabetic and insulin dependent use Cleanse for Life?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

When setting a goal, it makes sense to find someone that has succeeded at what you are trying to do! If you do, your ability to achieve good results improves dramatically.

To be accountable to that Coach gives you the hope and guidance to succeed.

Mistakes are costly, emotionally and usually financially – I know I have made mistakes many times!

May I suggest a better option… a Mentor – Mentorship is Leadership – Support – Results

The key to mentorship? The mentee takes the words, advice and actions with no backlash and/or question.

Where do you fit in?

Do it on your own and you have to learn from your own mistakes!

Coaches get you to the next level quicker because they help you avoid mistakes!

Mentors hold you accountable – action support results – and it gets done!

Enjoy Life!

Michele Foster

It Takes a Mentor

With millions of students returning to school — both K-12 and college — this is a good time to review the intriguing results of some research that Gallup did over the past year, exploring the linkages between education and long-term success in the workplace. That is: What are the things that happen at a college or technical school that, more than anything else, produce “engaged” employees on a fulfilling career track? According to Brandon Busteed, the executive director of Gallup’s education division, two things stand out. Successful students had one or more teachers who were mentors and took a real interest in their aspirations, and they had an internship related to what they were learning in school.

“We think it’s a big deal” where we go to college, Busteed explained to me. “But we found no difference in terms of type of institution you went to — public, private, selective or not — in long-term outcomes. How you got your college education mattered most.”

Graduates who told Gallup that they had a professor or professors “who cared about them as a person — or had a mentor who encouraged their goals and dreams and/or had an internship where they applied what they were learning — were twice as likely to be engaged with their work and thriving in their overall well-being,” Busteed said.

Seven Reasons Most People Need A Mentor

Most of the mail I receive isn’t generated in response to my columns. Folks write to me because they believe, as a shrink, I have an answer to their questions about “how to make it” as a business builder. The prototype reads like this: “I’ve done well in school, am told I have great potential, but haven’t been able to board the bullet train in order to ride the fast track to success. What should I do?”

I’d like to answer all those letters now by offering one, and only one, suggestion: Find a mentor.

This isn’t my personal opinion, it’s a fact: Studies show that most people who succeed have a mentor, a Rabbi (the New York City vernacular for mentor), and only as a last resort an executive coach.

Ten Steps to Finding Your Mentor

Are you looking for a mentor – someone who will build a relationship with you, someone to teach and advise you and enable you to become a wise and effective human being? Here are ten steps to finding that person:

Look at the people you know. Look around at the people in your personal and professional life. Is there someone you admire? Someone you would like to emulate in some way? Someone who has the wisdom you need?

Consider people you’ve never met. Research the top individuals in the businesses, organizations and trace associations of your chosen field. Find out as much as you can about them. Identify those individuals whose values and accomplishments you most admire.

Select a mentor who is a good listener. The best mentor is one who gets to know you – your skills and strengths and weaknesses, your individual personality and your aspirations. A good mentor should not serve as a lecturer, but as a sounding board who will help you with your struggles and help you to clarify your principles and beliefs.

Select a mentor who levels with you. A good mentor doesn’t just encourage you, but will also tell you the blunt truth when you are moving in the wrong direction. It is also a good sign if your mentor is candid and open about his or her own life. Anyone who has accomplished great things has made mistakes along the way and will share those experiences freely so that you can learn from them.

What It Takes to Go From Dead Broke to 6 Figures in 6 Months

As entrepreneurs we know life is often a roller coaster with lots of uncertainty and chaos. When you’re in the struggle, it’s tough to see a clear path to success, but it’s crucial to let your vision guide you, not your current circumstances. You must embrace those challenges, because that’s where your hunger for a better life is developed.

Nobody wants to be broke, and nobody wants to struggle, but it’s part of the process. It’s asking the right questions, and taking the right action while in the struggle, that can change everything. When I was in my toughest spot I was dead broke but six months later I was earning a six figure income. What it took to make the change is available to everyone.

Absolute clarity.

It’s easy to make decisions once you determine what your real values are.